When Bob Bradley chose Robbie Findley as part of the 30 man roster, likely at the expense of a great comeback story involving Charlie Davies, nobody cheered. When Bradley didn't play Findley against the Czech Republic, most people thought that he was off the plane for South Africa. Then Findley made the cut for the 23 man roster, and somehow made many sad to see Brian Ching cut. After a good showing against Turkey, Findley may have created some support for his inclusion. Those supporters may now be running away from Findley faster than he runs away from defenders after he missed two open chances at goals in today's friendly against Australia. This blog would argue the opposite, that he did not "heavy touch" his way out of the squad bu solidified his starting spot for the England game.
Despite the missed opportunities today, Findley showed Bradley why he should be in the starting eleven for the upcoming fixture against England.
Findley was able to create chances that no other player on the US men's national team could. His speed sets him apart from the rest of the strike force, and his lack of composure in front of goal today should not count against him. The US needs to stretch the field against an English defense that will not be fleet of foot, and Jozy Altidore does not have the speed when entirely healthy to do that. On a shoddy ankle, Altidore might be moving about as fast as a rickshaw in sand, or just a bit quicker than Ledley King and Jamie Carragher.
If Findley can stretch the English defense, with the help of some well-timed passing by Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey, then Altidore can do the finishing.
If Altidore can't get match fit by Saturday, then we could see the same combo that took the field this morning, although you can guarantee that England, unlike the Socceroos, will be marking Edson Buddle.
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